Supreme Court Seeks Report from Punjab, Haryana on Steps to Curb Stubble Burning

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed concern over the worsening air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), taking note of widespread stubble burning in neighbouring states. The court directed the governments of Punjab and Haryana to apprise it of the measures taken to control the practice and mitigate its impact on pollution levels.

Hearing the matter related to rising air pollution, the bench observed that despite repeated directions and preventive steps, incidents of crop residue burning continue to contribute significantly to toxic smog in the region. The court sought detailed reports from both state governments on enforcement actions, penalties imposed, and alternative measures provided to farmers.

The bench emphasised that the health of millions of residents in Delhi-NCR was being severely affected, calling for “immediate and effective intervention.” It reminded state authorities of their responsibility to ensure strict compliance with pollution control norms and to implement sustainable solutions to tackle farm residue burning.